I'm a self-taught mixed media artist and have been creating art and a positive atmosphere in my life for as long as I can remember. I live in sunny South Florida, which serves as my inspiration for my use of bright fun colors with a whimsical flair.
My goal is to inspire and empower you to find your inner happiness through creativity, as I have in my life. This website includes different tips and techniques that will hopefully inspire your inner muse to create.
Welcome and join me on a wonderful journey in creating art!
Sometimes the most beautiful discoveries happen when we slow down and really look.
This collection of four colorful abstract studies invites your eyes to wander from one panel to the next, uncovering playful patterns, shimmering details, and unexpected combinations of color along the way. Each little painting has its own personality, yet together they tell a joyful story about creativity, curiosity, and finding beauty in the smallest moments.
As I worked on these pieces, I found myself enjoying how each section developed its own unique character. A sweep of vibrant yellow here, a burst of turquoise there, tiny dotted details, flowing lines, and touches of shimmering gold all came together in ways that made me smile.
The more I looked at them as a group, the more I began imagining them as something beyond a practice piece. I’ve been contemplating creating a larger work inspired by this idea—one designed specifically to be framed as a collection. There’s something special about individual pieces that stand beautifully on their own while also becoming part of a larger story when displayed together.
One of the things I love most about abstract art is that it invites each of us to see something different. There isn’t a right or wrong interpretation. What catches your eye may be completely different from what catches mine, and that’s part of the magic. Every time you return to a piece, you may discover a new detail you hadn’t noticed before.
Creativity has a wonderful way of reminding us to slow down, stay curious, and appreciate the little things. Sometimes all it takes is a closer look to uncover unexpected beauty.
Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope this colorful collection inspires you to pause, look a little closer, and find joy in the little details that brighten your own day.
There’s a saying that we become what we focus on, and the other day I was reminded just how true that can be. I was scrolling through social media when I came across a post highlighting some of the positive changes happening around the world. It was encouraging to see. Then I read the comments.
Instead of people celebrating the good, I found comment after comment of anger, criticism, and hostility. It caught me off guard, although I probably shouldn’t have been surprised. Negativity seems to spread so easily these days.
For a moment, I felt myself wanting to respond. I wanted to defend the positive message. But then I stopped and asked myself, Is it really worth giving away my peace? The answer was no.
I realized that arguing would only cost me my time and precious energy—energy that could be spent creating something beautiful, encouraging someone, or simply enjoying the day.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. But I also believe our words matter. They have the power to lift people up or bring them down.
One of my favorite sayings has always been:
“If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
None of us are immune to negative thoughts. We all experience frustration and disappointment. The important thing is recognizing those moments and gently redirecting ourselves before negativity takes root.
Our attitudes create a ripple effect. Kindness encourages kindness, while negativity often spreads just as quickly. Every interaction leaves an impression, whether we realize it or not.
One of my favorite quotes from Gandhi says:
“I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.”
I love that reminder because we can’t control what others say or do, but we can choose what we allow to live in our minds.
Life isn’t perfect, and it isn’t always fair. But each day we have a choice. We can add a little more light to the world or a little more darkness.
I hope we all choose kindness. You never know how much your words might brighten someone’s day.
Thank you so much for stopping by. Wishing you a wonderful day!
One of the things I enjoy most about keeping an art journal is that there are no expectations. There isn’t a deadline to meet, or even a finished vision in my mind. It’s simply a place to play. This page is a perfect example.
When I first started painting, I had no idea where it was going. I created a light watercolor wash, then added more layers and a few unexpected colors, and slowly watched the page begin to tell its own story. The more I worked, the more it reminded me of an underwater world filled with coral, shimmering light, and tiny bubbles drifting through the sea.
The funny thing is, that wasn’t my plan at all. Sometimes the best ideas appear when we stop trying to control every brushstroke and simply allow ourselves to explore.
Art has a wonderful way of teaching us that creativity isn’t always about knowing the destination. Often, it’s about being willing to take the first step and trusting the process. Every experiment, every unexpected color combination, and every little “what if?” has the potential to lead somewhere beautiful. That’s true outside the studio, too.
Life is full of blank pages waiting to be explored. We don’t always know where a new opportunity, hobby, friendship, or idea will lead. If we never give ourselves permission to try something different, we may miss discovering something we truly love.
So don’t be afraid to experiment. Try a new technique. Use colors you’ve never paired together before. Create something without worrying about whether it’s perfect. You might surprise yourself.
This little journal page reminded me that some of the most interesting discoveries happen when we simply stay curious. After all, creativity isn’t about getting everything right—it’s about remaining open to possibilities. Who knows what beautiful idea is waiting for you on your next blank page?
Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope this inspires you to explore something new today, whether it’s with a paintbrush or in another part of your life.
To celebrate the holiday weekend, I’m excited to offer 25% OFF everything in my Etsy Art Shop!
If you’ve had your eye on one of my original paintings, now is the perfect time to bring a little more color, joy, and creativity into your home, office, or favorite space.
✨ 4th of July Celebration Sale Save 25% on all original artwork Sale ends Sunday, July 5th
Thank you for supporting my small business and for being part of my creative journey. Your encouragement means the world to me, and I’m so grateful to share my art with you.
Wishing you a safe and Happy 4th of July weekend! Happy Shopping! ✨
This year, the United States of America celebrates an incredible milestone—250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As Independence Day approaches, I can’t help but think back to one of my favorite childhood memories.
When I was in elementary school, our school celebrated America’s Bicentennial with a special parade to honor the American spirit. It seemed like just about every student participated, and I was excited to be one of them.
I dressed as Betsy Ross, proudly carrying a flag that I pretended to be stitching as I walked through the parade. I already had a long dress that was perfect for the occasion, but what made my costume truly special was the old-fashioned bonnet my mom lovingly sewed for me from some spare fabric she had around the house.
My mother was an incredibly talented seamstress. There wasn’t much she couldn’t make, and her creativity made my Betsy Ross costume feel complete.
To my delight, I won for my class and received a Bicentennial commemorative mug as my prize. I remember how proud I was to bring it home. I used that mug so much over the years that it eventually wore out, but the memory of earning it—and that special day—has stayed with me ever since.
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, I’m reminded that history isn’t just found in textbooks. It’s found in family stories, treasured keepsakes, old photographs, handmade gifts, and memories that are passed from one generation to the next.
This historic milestone reminds me how grateful I am for the freedoms we often take for granted—the freedom to create, to express ourselves, to pursue our dreams, and to share our gifts with others. As an artist, those freedoms mean more to me than words can fully express.
What is one Fourth of July or childhood memory that still brings a smile to your face? I’d love to hear your story in the comments.
Thank you so much for stopping by today. Wishing you a wonderful and safe Fourth of July filled with joy, gratitude, laughter, and meaningful moments with family and friends. May your celebration be filled with happy memories that you’ll treasure for years to come.
When I began this watercolor, I had a completely different vision in mind. I imagined one direction, selected my colors, and started painting with a clear destination. But somewhere along the way, everything changed. Instead of resisting it, I decided to listen.
One of the things I love most about watercolor is that it reminds me not everything can—or should—be controlled. The pigments flow, blend, and settle in ways that are impossible to predict. Sometimes the best thing I can do is step back and let the painting become what it wants to be.
Years ago, I would have tried to force this piece back into my original idea. I would have worried I’d ruined it. Experience has taught me something different: those uncertain early layers are often where the magic begins.
By staying patient and trusting the process, this painting slowly revealed a peaceful landscape with soft turquoise reflections and warm golden earth—something I never would have created if I had insisted on controlling every step.
Life often works the same way. Our carefully made plans don’t always unfold as expected, but those unexpected turns can lead us somewhere even more meaningful than we imagined.
This painting is a reminder to keep the faith, stay patient, and remain open to where the journey leads. Whether you’re creating art, pursuing a dream, or navigating everyday life, there is beauty in allowing room for the unexpected.
Thank you for spending a few moments with me today. I hope this watercolor encourages you to trust your own journey, even when it takes an unexpected turn.
Steven Spielberg has been making us believe in the impossible for more than fifty years.
Last week, I finally had the chance to see Disclosure Day, and I loved it. As the credits rolled, I realized I wasn’t just thinking about the movie—I was thinking about Spielberg himself.
What makes Steven Spielberg one of the greatest storytellers ever?
Over the past five decades, Steven Spielberg has given us unforgettable films like E.T., Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, and Lincoln. While each tells a very different story, they all have one thing in common.
They remind us what it feels like to wonder.
I still remember seeing Jaws as a kid. It was so convincing that I refused to go into the ocean for the rest of the summer! That’s the kind of impact great storytelling can have. It pulls us into another world and makes us feel like we’re part of the adventure—or in the case of Jaws, part of the danger.
The best storytellers don’t simply entertain us—they invite us into another world. They make us care about people we’ve never met, places we’ve never been, and possibilities we’ve never imagined. That’s a gift Spielberg has shared with audiences for generations.
Watching Disclosure Day reminded me that great storytelling isn’t about spectacular special effects. It’s about creating an emotional connection and leaving us with questions long after the credits roll.
As an artist, that idea resonates with me.
When I begin a painting, I’m not just adding color to paper. I hope to create something that sparks an emotion, a memory, or a moment of curiosity. Sometimes a painting doesn’t need to explain itself—it simply needs to make someone pause and wonder.
Whether it’s through a camera, a paintbrush, a novel, or a piece of music, creativity has the power to inspire us, challenge us, and remind us to keep imagining what’s possible.
Perhaps that’s the true mark of a great storyteller… not someone who has all the answers, but someone who inspires us to keep asking questions.
What’s your favorite Steven Spielberg film, and why has it stayed with you over the years? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Thank you for joining me for another Thoughtful Thursday.
Until next time, keep creating, keep wondering, and never lose your sense of curiosity.
One of the things I enjoy most about being an artist is experimenting with new materials and discovering how they influence the creative process. Recently, I decided to try Strathmore Acrylic Paper, and I created this small 6″ x 6″ abstract painting while getting familiar with its unique surface.
The first thing I noticed was the weight of the paper. At 246 lb, it’s thicker than the 140 lb watercolor paper I sometimes use. Even though it’s heavier, it still buckles slightly when paint is applied, but nothing major and certainly not enough to distract from the painting experience.
What I especially love is the refined texture. It reminds me of painting on a canvas while still offering the flexibility and convenience of working on paper. The surface allows the paint to glide smoothly while still providing enough texture to create interesting movement and layering.
For this piece, I was inspired by the soothing colors of water and the gentle movement of ocean currents. I built layers of turquoise, aqua, white, and touches of metallic gold to create a sense of flow and tranquility. The tiny dotted details add a playful rhythm that guides the eye across the painting and gives the piece a little extra personality.
Whenever I experiment with a new surface, I like to create a few smaller pieces first. It gives me an opportunity to learn how the material behaves before committing to larger works. Every paper, canvas, or substrate has its own personality, and discovering those differences is one of my favorite parts of the artistic journey.
Sometimes stepping outside of our usual supplies can spark fresh inspiration and encourage us to see our work in new ways.
Have you ever tried a new art supply that surprised you? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope this little experiment inspires you to try something new and embrace the joy of creative exploration.
There’s something special about taking your sketchbook outdoors during the summer months. The warm sunshine, vibrant colors, and ever-changing scenery provide endless inspiration for creative exploration. Whether you’re spending time in your backyard, visiting a local park, traveling to a new destination, or simply relaxing on your porch, sketching can help you slow down and appreciate the beauty around you.
The best part? Your sketches don’t need to be perfect. Outdoor sketching is about observing, experimenting, and capturing moments that catch your eye.
When my children were young, I often packed a sketchbook, a set of watercolor pencils, and a paintbrush with a built-in water reservoir before heading to the beach. While they played in the sand and splashed in the waves, I would make quick sketches of the scene unfolding around me. They weren’t polished or perfect, but that was never the point. Those simple drawings captured moments that photographs often missed—the feeling of the day, the movement, the joy, and the memories being made.
Years later, I still enjoy flipping through those sketchbook pages. Each sketch brings back smiles and memories of those wonderful summer days. That’s one of the things I love most about sketching outdoors—it becomes more than art. It becomes a visual journal of experiences and moments you might otherwise forget.
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few fun summer sketching ideas to take along on your next outdoor adventure.
1. Sketch Your Favorite Tree
Trees are full of interesting shapes and textures. Focus on the overall silhouette, twisting branches, or clusters of leaves. Every tree has its own personality, making it a wonderful subject for sketching.
2. Capture a Summer Garden
Flowers, butterflies, and garden pathways offer endless inspiration. A few simple lines and shapes can beautifully capture the feeling of a blooming garden.
3. Create a Nature Collection Page
Fill a page with small sketches of leaves, flowers, shells, feathers, rocks, or anything else you discover during your adventure. These collection pages are fun to create and enjoyable to revisit later.
4. Draw Waterfront Views
Whether you’re near the ocean, a lake, or a pond, try sketching the shoreline, gentle waves, or reflections on the water. Simple shapes and flowing lines can capture the peaceful atmosphere.
5. Sketch Your Travel Adventures
Bring a small sketchbook on road trips or vacations and create quick sketches of memorable places and moments. These pages become wonderful visual souvenirs.
6. Create a Summer Color Study
Use watercolor or colored pencils to capture the colors of a sunset, flower garden, or beach scene. These pages can become valuable references for future artwork.
7. Sketch What Brings You Joy
Sometimes the most meaningful sketches are the simplest. Your favorite iced coffee, a beach umbrella, a picnic setup, or a cozy reading spot can tell the story of your summer.
Simple Supplies to Bring Along
You don’t need a large collection of supplies to enjoy outdoor sketching. In fact, some of my favorite sketchbook memories were created with just a few portable supplies. Consider packing:
A small sketchbook
A pencil, pen, or watercolor pencils
A portable watercolor set (optional)
A water brush or paintbrush with a built-in water reservoir
A small pouch to keep everything organized
A lightweight folding chair or blanket if you’ll be sketching for a while
Keeping your supplies simple makes it easy to sketch whenever inspiration strikes, whether you’re at the beach, in a park, on a hiking trail, or relaxing in your own backyard.
Enjoy the Process
One of the greatest benefits of outdoor sketching is that it encourages us to slow down and notice the world around us. Instead of worrying about creating a masterpiece, focus on the experience itself. Observe the colors, textures, sounds, and details that make each location unique.
Your sketchbook doesn’t need perfect pages. It simply needs your observations, curiosity, and creativity.
Do you enjoy sketching outdoors? I’d love to hear about your favorite places to sketch or the subjects that inspire you most. Feel free to share in the comments below!
Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope these summer sketching ideas inspire you to take your sketchbook outside and enjoy a season filled with creativity, exploration, and artistic discovery.
Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time creating abstracts, so I felt like taking a little break and trying something different. Karen Campbell’s Wonky Woofers was the perfect choice. As I flipped through the book, Sweet Sadie immediately caught my eye. With her floppy ears, curly features, and sleepy little eyes, she was just too adorable to pass up.
It was such a fun change of pace to create something whimsical and playful instead of my usual abstracts, and Sweet Sadie certainly brought plenty of smiles to my studio.
Why Sweet Sadie Stole My Heart
One of my favorite things about Sweet Sadie is her peaceful expression. She looks completely content stretched out on the ground with her eyes gently closed, as if she’s having the best nap ever.
What made this project even more special is that my own furry baby, who recently turned two years old, is also named Sadie. In fact, this little Wonky Woofer looks a bit like her! Those floppy ears and sweet expression reminded me so much of my own girl, which made this project feel extra special.
The Joy of Trying Something Different
One of the things I love about creativity is that it doesn’t always have to be serious. Sometimes it’s about trying something different, having fun, and creating something that simply makes you smile.
As much as I love painting colorful abstracts, it was refreshing to switch gears and create something playful and lighthearted for a change.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Sadie may be taking a nap, but she certainly made a lasting impression on me. Between her floppy ears, gentle expression, and cozy pose, she’s a pup that’s hard to forget.
I’d love to hear about your furry baby! Share their name (and maybe a photo if you have one) in the comments below. 🐶💕
Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope Sweet Sadie brought a smile to your face and inspired you to make a little time for creativity. Have a wonderful and creative day!
